Old Dominion University Program

The Combined Internal Medicine & Geriatrics Residency at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University offers a comprehensive training program designed to cultivate the next generation of geriatricians. This residency uniquely integrates both a three-year internal medicine residency and a 12-month geriatric medicine fellowship, enabling trainees to achieve board eligibility in Internal Medicine and certification in Geriatric Medicine upon completion.

The curriculum is meticulously designed to mirror that of a standard Internal Medicine residency while incorporating specialized training in Geriatrics. Over the course of the residency, trainees will engage in rotations at key training sites including Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Sentara Leigh Hospital, and the Sentara Ambulatory Care Clinic. Each training site is selected for its diverse clinical experiences that are essential for developing proficiency in both fields of medicine 1.

Curriculum Structure

The combined program consists of a total of four years of training, with the first three years focused primarily on internal medicine while integrating geriatrics training through dedicated rotations. Each year includes a month-long elective focused specifically on Geriatric Medicine, with additional longitudinal training at the Berger-Goldrich Home at Beth Sholom Village starting from the first year 1.

Rotations

Residents will rotate through various healthcare facilities where they will gain hands-on experience:

• Sentara Norfolk General Hospital: This facility serves as a primary teaching hospital, featuring a Level I trauma center and a comprehensive array of cardiac and transplant programs 2.
• Beth Sholom Village's Berger-Goldrich Home: A post-acute care facility allowing training in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation environment, with a focus on chronic and palliative care.
• Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center: This center provides invaluable exposure to acute care and longer-term patient management, with a robust research focus on diseases related to aging 2.
• Sentara Ambulatory Care Clinic: Residents will deliver community-based care to an underserved population, emphasizing continuity in patient relations.

Research and Professional Development

The residency program promotes an academic environment with opportunities for research in geriatric medicine. Residents work closely with experienced geriatricians throughout their training, receiving mentoring and support in project development, data collection, and academic publishing 1. Furthermore, financial support is available for attending conferences, which is vital for networking and professional development.

Community Engagement

An integral component of training includes community outreach, with residents actively participating in initiatives aimed at improving geriatric education and services. Programs like Students for the Advancement of Geriatric Education (S.A.G.E.) embody the commitment to community health and education 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This program is characterized by its competitive nature, and candidates are encouraged to possess a strong background in internal medicine. Typically, applicants are required to have completed their medical degree within a certain number of years prior to application, and specific limitations may apply regarding exam failures on standardized tests. These requirements ensure a highly qualified cohort that aligns with the program's rigorous standards.

Visa Support

The program is responsive to the needs of international medical graduates, offering support for visa applications. It can sponsor J-1 visas for international medical graduates, which is a common visa type for residency training in the U.S., thus accommodating diverse applicants seeking to advance their medical careers in geriatrics.

Conclusion

The residency program at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University is a leading pathway for those seeking to become experts in both internal medicine and geriatrics, backed by a comprehensive curriculum, supportive training environment, and a commitment to community health.